Meaning
象 primarily means 'elephant' as a noun. It also means 'appearance' or 'image' in more literary contexts. As a verb, it means 'to resemble' or 'to be like,' though this usage is more common in classical Chinese and some compounds.
Usage
As 'elephant,' 象 is straightforward and used in modern Mandarin. The verb meaning 'to resemble' appears mainly in compounds like 象征 (to symbolize) or literary expressions. In everyday speech, 像 (xiàng) is preferred for 'to be like/resemble.' The character appears in many idioms and expressions related to imagery and symbolism.
Examples
- 01动物园里有三头大象。.There are three elephants in the zoo.
- 02和平鸽象征着和平与希望。.The peace dove symbolizes peace and hope.
Measure words
- 头一头象
- 只一只大象
Common collocations
- 大象elephant
- 象征to symbolize; symbol
- 象牙ivory
- 现象phenomenon
Origin
The character 象 is a pictograph depicting an elephant with its trunk, body, and legs. Ancient oracle bone script shows a clear elephant form. Due to the elephant's impressive appearance, the meaning extended to 'image' and 'to resemble.'